Cameroon's lionhearts revel in African upset

Cameroon celebrated the most improbable of victories at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday which coach Hugo Broos hopes will pave the way to a bright future for his team.

The Indomitable Lions came from behind to beat Egypt 2-1 in the final at Stade de l'Amitie in Libreville on goals from Nicolas Nkoulou and Vincent Aboubakar.

It was Cameroon's first title since 2002, its fifth in total, and completed a remarkable journey for a side written off before the tournament.

Eight players, including Liverpool defender Joel Matip and Schalke striker Eric Choupo-Moting, had refused call-ups to the squad, leaving Broos to work with a young, inexperienced side.

But, having eliminated host Gabon, Ghana and pre-tournament favorite Senegal en route to the final, Cameroon claimed its first win over Egypt in the decider at the third attempt.

"I brought in some new young players and we started working," said Broos.

"We did a good job and now today we have a team."

Broos' man-management has been remarkable and on Sunday it was notable that two substitutes scored.

Lyon defender Nkoulou started only once during the tournament and came on as a first-half replacement for the injured Adolphe Teikeu.

Besiktas forward Aboubakar also started only one game in Gabon, but netted the decisive penalty in the shootout against Senegal in the last eight and his winner in the final was stunning.

"It is the best way to win a final. I think we took a bit of a blow to the back of the head in the first half, but the substitutions changed the match," said Cameroon striker Clinton N'Jie.

Defender Michael Ngadeu heaped praise on his Belgian coach.

"He is a magician. The team has been reborn under him," said the Slavia Prague star.

"A lot didn't believe in him, I'll admit. A lot of Cameroonians criticized him.

"However, today he is the hero. He should get a medal for what he has done.

"He has given us this solidarity, this mentality.

"He has given us a new joy in playing this game."